The Groundwater Resources Association (GRA) recognizes that due to travel and meeting restrictions relating to COVID-19 precautions it may not be currently possible to gather colleagues to attend this GRACast. If your office has purchased a registration with the intent of having multiple colleagues participate, GRA will allow you to share the login information with your office colleagues so you may call in from multiple locations. We strive to remain agile based on the current public health situation and desire to support our members in the best ways possible.

We will return to our normal policy of one login per location or office in the future.

We thank you for your continued support of GRA. Please stay safe and healthy!

Transforming a Former Wastewater Pond into a Thriving Wetland

Presented By:

Bob Gray, Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Mónica Tell, Pacific Gas and Electric Company

 INTRODUCTION:

After the first attempt to clean up wastes in a former wastewater treatment pond, known locally as Shell Pond, caused excessive odors and had to be abandoned, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) redesigned the cleanup plan utilizing sustainable, environmentally friendly remediation methods that will ultimately bring the area back to a thriving wetland. PG&E worked with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) wetlands experts, and the community to find an innovative solution to address historical waste and sustainably begin restoring wetlands in Bay Point, California. Through this process, the community has been one of the project’s most vocal supporters, thanks to a unique combination of traditional and non-traditional outreach methods. A major contributor being the annual Wonders of the Wetlands event with local middle school students that teaches them about the science behind wetlands and how PG&E is using this science to make a difference in their backyards.

SPEAKER BIO:

Bob Gray, Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Bob Gray has a Master of Science in Environmental Management from the University of San Francisco. He has worked for PG&E since 1991 when he was hired as a groundwater sampling technician for the company’s Land and Water Quality Group. Since then, he has held multiple positions at PG&E including Environmental Coordinator, Environmental Auditor, and most recently as a Project Manager in the Environmental Remediation Department. He has acted as the Shell Pond Project Manager for 20 years.

Mónica Tell, Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Mónica Tell is a Principal in State Agency Relations managing Stakeholder Engagement for Environmental Remediation (ER) projects. In her role, Mónica works closely with the ER director, project managers, and the consultant team to develop and implement communications strategies, engage with regulatory agencies such as the Department of Toxic Substances Control and develop and strengthen relationships within local communities. Mónica joined State Agency Relations in 2018. During her 14 years with PG&E Mónica has had the opportunity to serve in various capacities including managing Community Relations initiatives, Charitable Grants, and implementing programs supporting low-income and non-English speaking communities. She served as a company spokesperson covering the Central Coast region and supported communication with ethnic media. Mónica holds a Master’s in Strategic Public Relations from George Washington University and holds bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Spanish from UC Berkeley.

Moderator BIO:

Dr. John Xiong, Haley & Aldrich, Inc

Dr. John Xiong is a member of the Board of Directors of GRA. He has 18 years of experience in environmental consulting, focusing on contaminated site management and remediation. He has developed cost-effective and streamlined strategies for final remedies accepted by federal and state regulatory agencies on projects that entail complex technical and policy issues. He is currently serving as the emerging contaminants practice leader for Haley & Aldrich, Inc., overseeing the firm's development and implementation of innovative technical solutions for emerging contaminants. He has also held primary roles in the invention of three patented technologies and has published a dozen papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

BECOME A SPONSOR!
Contact Staff at staff@grac.org

Gold:

• Recognition on the sponsored GRACast page of the website
• Special thanks and priority placement of your logo on all promotional emails relating to the sponsored cast (time permitting)
• Special thanks and priority placement of your logo on two presentation slides, one at the beginning and another at the conclusion of the cast
• Opportunity to provide a bio of your company for the moderator to read at the intro of the cast
• One 1/3 page ad in HydroVisions
• Two registrations to the sponsored cast

Silver: 

• Recognition on the sponsored GRACast page of the website 
• Special thanks and your logo on all promotional emails relating to the sponsored cast (time permitting) 
• Special thanks and your logo on two presentation slides, one at the beginning and another at the conclusion of the cast 
• One registration to the sponsored cast

CONTACT INFORMATION:

If you have any questions, please contact John Xiong at  jxiong@haleyaldrich.com or (714) 371-1808